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'Seinfeld's' Beloved Estelle Harris Dies at 93

Estelle Harris, known and beloved for her roles as George Costanza's mother on Seinfeld and as the voice of Mrs. Potato Head in Toy Story passed away on Saturday April 2, at the age of 93 years old.


Her son confirmed the news to NPR on Sunday.

"Her kindness, passion, sensitivity, humor, empathy and love were practically unrivaled, and she will be terribly missed by all those who knew her," said her son Glen Harris.

According to Glen, the actress passed away peacefully of natural causes in her Palm Desert home in California.

While Harris appeared on screen for years before, her most notable role came when she signed on to Seinfeld in 1989 as Estelle Costanza, who alongside, Jerry Stiller, played George Costanza's parents.

"She is the mother that everybody loves, even though she's a pain in the neck," Harris said in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in 1998.

Jason Alexander, who played George Costanza in the sitcom tweeted out his condolences and grief over the star's passing.

"One of my favorite people has passed - my tv mama, Estelle Harris. The joy of playing with her and relishing her glorious laughter was a treat. I adore you, Estelle. Love to your family. Serenity now and always. #RipEstelleHarris," he wrote.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who played Elaine of the show also tweeted out a message in response to the news of Harris's death.

"Rip Estelle Harris. I love you. #serenitynow."

Harris appeared on 27 episodes of Seinfeld from 1992 through the extent of its run in 1998.

In 1995, Harris was cast as the iconic voice behind Mrs. Potato Head in the Toy Story franchise and later played the recurring role of Muriel in the hit Disney Channel show The Sweet Life of Zack & Cody.

Harris, the daughter of Jewish immigrants, came from humble beginnings, growing up in Pennsylvania where her family ran a candy and soda shop.

Harris began acting at local community theaters while she raised her three children. She eventually went on to find great success featuring in various shows and films.

Harris garnered credits for her roles in the following series: Futurama, The Looney Tunes Show, Curb Your Enthusiasm, iCarly, ER, Mind of Mencia, Phil of the Future, Dave the Barbarian, Kim Possible, The Proud Family, House of Mouse, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Godzilla: The Series, The Wild Thornberrys, Hercules, Cybill, Living Single, Moesha, The Mask, Night Stand, Star Trek: Voyager, The Tick, Aladdin, Good Advice, Mad About You, Married… with Children and Night Court.

The actress's film credits are just as long including: Promoted, CBGB, Playing Mona Lisa, Dancing in September, What’s Cooking?, Lost & Found, My Giant, The Odd Couple II, Chairman of the Board, Out to Sea, Downhill Willie, Perfect Alibi, This Is My Life, Stand and Deliver, Once Upon a Time in America, Summerdog and Looking Up.

Estelle is survived by her three children, three grandsons, and a great-grandson.

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Peri Allen